So Shall You Reap - Donna Leon

 So Shall you Reap - Donna Leon

She read

Publication Date: March 14, 2023

March is one of my favorite months because that is usually when Donna Leon’s latest Commissario Guido Brunetti book is published.  I was fortunate enough to read an #ARC of 2023’s book.

In this case, Guido and his associates look into the death of a Sri Lankan immigrant, who has, coincidentally,  been working for an old school friend of Brunnetti and living in a garden house on their property. The investigation takes the players back to the 1980s and the days of the terrorist group, The Red Brigade. 

This is the thirty second installment of this series and I have read all of them. Obviously, I am a huge fan. Leon captures so well the the pulse and rhythm of Venice.  Not the Venice that the hoards of day trippers experience, but the real city of the Venetians who reside there. It is a joy to read such a literate writer whose books touch on philosophy, classical literature, political science, history, justice. 

The cases, while always intriguing, are almost secondary to the wonderful characterizations and musings and observations of life, especially Venetian life, by Brunetti. So nice to visit again with all the familiar actors,  flamboyant Signora Elletra, strong and wise Paola, philosophical Guido, comical Patta, capable Griffoni, loyal Foa.  

While there is an interesting plot, don’t read this book for fast action, but rather savor the words and thoughts, the pace of daily life in La Serenissima. And note that Brunetti’s mother has a lesson modern politicians would do well to heed. 

It was so nice to visit again with all the familiar players, stroll past familiar Venetian landmarks, stopping for a coffee along the way.  For anyone new to Brunetti, this can be read as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself?  Go back to the beginning of the series and enjoy getting to know all of these memorable characters.

Thanks to #netgalley and #groveaatlantic #atlanticmonthlypress for the ARC.

*****